Joel returns to Covenant as a sophomore midfielder for the Scots this season. Prior to Covenant, Joel played soccer at Parkwood High School where he captained the team in his junior and senior years. As a senior, he earned All-Conference honors and was named Most Valuable Player. He also played club soccer for Weddington Soccer Club.

His parents are Bryan and Felicia Friesen. He has two older sisters, Anna and Claire, and a younger brother, Will. Along with his love for playing soccer, Joel also loves chocolate milk, playing ping pong, and Black Friday. One of his favorite Bible verses is John 3:30 which says, "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less."

Joel is a Community Development major. After graduating from Covenant, he hopes to work on Wall Street.